I am considering the 800 sportsman for my first Polaris. Has anyone had any type of problems or quality issues with theirs? Thanks for your help. I have a great relationship with the local dealer, and so I would rather do business with them as long as their are no major problems affecting the bike.

 

the only issues with the SP800's has been melting plastic, but that only happens in extremely hot conditions like mudding or in low for extremely extended periods of time. other than that, the bike is fantastic

 

msubulldog,

I have an 800 and spyder is right about the melting plastic but it happens in cold weather too as my 05 did it in 40 degree and less temp during the first 30 miles i put on it. The dealer replaced the rear cab under warranty and has installed a fix to hopefully avoid this in the future. The 06's are supposed to have a remedy for the problem already in place but if you buy one you will want to regularly take off the right side popoff panel by your leg and check the rear cab plastic where the exhaust passes closest to it. That is where the problem occurs. Also mine and several others have had defective batteries from the factory. They replaced mine under warranty and it is fine. Other than that the 800's are by far the class of the utilities. I have looked at and rode all and while they all have their strong points the Pol I felt was the best overall and by a substantial margin--power, ease of operation, climbing, storage etc etc etc but ride them all and compare good luck!!

 

I thought i was leaking gas this summer. Turned out is was gas venting out the hose down to the front of the ATV. That day it was 103 degrees in Tupelo, MS and it was a full tank. It was doing what is was supposed to do, thank goodness. Stopped me for 30 mins trying to find a leak.

Other than that the only problems i have are a loss of friends caused by monstrous mud holes and large, deep areas of water and having to stop a lot on long rough rides because my buddies are worn out. Also had to spend $25 on a 30 ft Honda recovery strap but i guess that was a misc expense. I had a 700 but i love my new 800. The storage was needed. All the small features really show up on the trails if you stay out for more than a day. Spend the money on front and rear bumpers. Both have paid for themselves already. Good luck.

 

Thanks for all the replies! I appreciate the input. I went by today and looked at the 06 Rincon as I am still deciding what quad to buy, and I will have to say that Honda has missed the mark big time with this quad unless you want a 600 pound sport 4x4. No low range, no front diff lock, no storage to speak of, and the rack space on those things are a joke. And I've ridden Hondas for 17 years! Oh, well, the sp800 is still at the top of the list. It seems to be the best built new model Polaris has put out---I'm going to test ride one hopefully this weekend.

Again, thanks for your help!

msu

 

Don't forget all the extras that come with the 800 compared to the other rides. WE're gonna be at Redcreek atv park in MS next weekend, 3-5 Feb. There were a lot of 800's there last time i went. I'm just trying to find aftermarket accessories for mine right now. Good luck and have fun with the test ride.

 

Holy spinning wheels, Batman! This quad is awesome!!!
Well, I test drove one of the sp800's yesterday and all I'll say is "I gotta have me one these things!!!"
The power, the ease of operation, the storage (both under the front rack and in the back underneath compartment, the components (axles, susp., etc.) all make for one heck of a scooter! I'll be getting one of the Mossy Oak ones, or I may wait until Browning has their version of it out (there is an announcement of a licensing agreement between Polaris and Browning on the Polaris website), but either way, I am sold on the sp800!

msu

 

You won't regret it, I know I don't [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

mud dog, we'll welcome you ot the 800 big boy club. you will be glad you got one if power and a great machine is what you want. the only draw back i see on my=ine so far(and its really not a draw back for power) is crapy gas milage. they say on here it gets better when they break in.